Generation 2, Chapter 5

 

"Dad do you ever wonder where the aliens came from? or why they experimented on you?"

"Why all the questions, sweetie?" William asked not wanting to discus this again with her. "You know I don't have the answers."

"I know Dad but I have so many questions and so few answers."

"I know sweetheart and I'm sorry," William said giving her a hug.

"I'm so confused about who I am and wonder if there's a purpose for my existence. Or was I an accident, an unfortunate side effect of an experiment gone wrong."

"Oh sweetie I've asked myself those same questions. I wish I had the answers but I don't. My worst fear is that they'll come back and take you away."

Looking thoughtful, Evelyn said "I wouldn't mind having a chance to talk to them. At least I might have some of my questions answered."

"It may not be that simple Evie. The aliens may just want to see how their experiment is progressing and have no real feelings for you."

"But Dad your biased and can't..."

"No your right I am. I can't think about the aliens without becoming emotional. I was nothing more than a lab rat to them to do with as they pleased. You can't expect me to be happy with the idea you want to seek them out."

"I know Daddy, I'm sorry," Evelyn said "But they're the only ones with the answers I need."

"I know sweetie, I do understand. I'm concerned that once they have you they'll never let you leave. I don't want to lose you."

Evelyn attempted to smile saying "I doubt they want me. They haven't come in seventeen years. I'm afraid they were interested in whether they could then in whether they should. Do you think they'll come back and try it again?"

"I'm sure they will."

"But why? Wasn't once enough?"

"Once would be a fluke. If they're able to replicate it, then it moves into provable fact. I don't know the reasons but they will try again." William's mind went back to the aliens that were with the doctor at the hospital. He was sure they were ready to try again, this time with the help of someone with knowledge of human anatomy. He shivered at how close he had come to producing another half alien child.

Afterwards, Evelyn found it difficult to settle down and wandered aimlessly around the yard. Stopping at the telescope Evelyn wondered if she would ever find the aliens responsible for her existence. She didn't want to worry her Father but she needed answers, to know, to understand her alien side. She couldn't give up the hope that one day she would have the opportunity to meet them. She spent hours searching for signs of aliens somewhere in the night sky.

The next day William was up with Michael.  "Wanna dance little man?" William asked picking him up and dancing around the room. He enjoyed every chance he had to play and nurture each one of his kids. He never imagined having such a large family but he wouldn't give any of them up. Thinking about his conversation the night before with Evelyn, he hoped he was wrong. But deep in his bones he knew he would see the aliens again. His worst fear would be they would turn their attention from him to his children. The idea startled him so much he stopped dancing.

"More Daddy more," Michael giggled.

William started moving again and was rewarded with Michaels happy chatter in his ear. William would give anything to prevent his children experiencing what he went through.

Gene had to stay after school for disrupting class again. As usual the teacher sent him to the principles office.

"Well Gene, what have you got to say for yourself?"

Shrugging Gene said "Not much to say."

"Son with this attitude you'll never make it into college."

"Who says I'm going?"

"Don't you want to? With your intelligence and some self-control you could accomplish anything you want. Tell me what you need so that I can help you. What are your goals?"

"Haven't got any goals"

"Alright. Let's try something else. I'm scheduling you to see the school guidance counselor and he can discuss what your options are."

"Suit yourself," Gene shrugged slouching in his chair. "But I won't go."

"It's either that or detention and I call your parents. Then you can explain your behavior to them. I'm trying to work with you Gene. I know your better than this."

Gene gave his principle a simmering stare as he thought 'you don't know me. This is who I am, a screw up, a pathetic excuse of a human being.'

"Son your trying to hard to be the outcast. It isn't you. I want you to talk to the guidance counselor today. Be there or suffer the consequences."

Gene sat there debating with himself whether he wanted to push this further. Inwardly he shrugged, what difference would it make, it was all coming to an end anyway. Principle Shanahan was an ok guy better than most. "Ok you win. Can I go now?"

The principle shook his head as he watched Gene leave. He knew he should have given him detention but he could sense something was eating away at this kid. He hoped talking to the counselor would help before the kid self-destructed. He picked up his phone, shaking his head hoping he was doing the right thing.

Gene kept his appointment with the guidance counselor. He spent an hour slumped in his chair staring at him.

"Son do you have anything to say?"

Gene sighed and shook his head. The counselor pressed his lips together and handed some brochures to Gene. "This is some information on local colleges you might be interested in."

"Don't you mean who might be interested in discipline cases with bad grades?" Gene scoffed taking the brochures and leaving. Before he got through the door the counselor said "I'll see you tomorrow same time."

Hesitating, Gene said "not if I'm dead," and kept going. Once he got outside he sat down and wrote in his notebook.

Dear Family,

Please accept my apology for being the source of so much unhappiness and pain. I'm sorry I'm not the son I should be. Words cannot express the deep regret I have for my actions the night of the fire. I took the batteries and because of me the firemen were unable to respond to the fire. It was my fault. I thought I could live with this pain but I cannot. Please forgive me my cowardice. I do not wish to bring you more pain but I know it cannot be much. How could you love someone who killed your daughter? I cannot even stand myself. I am so full of hate and loathing that I cannot stand to see my own reflection. I love you too much to foist my vile presence upon you. I know you cannot love me and for this I blame myself. After tonight my existence will only be an unpleasant fading memory.

Gene
Seeing Gene writing in his notebook, Pearl asked "Did you have detention?"

"Naw had to talk to the guidance counselor. Shanahan thinks I have potential and the counselor gave me some brochures to read."

"You know it wouldn't hurt to look at them. Keep your options open."

Snorting in disbelief Gene threw the brochures into the nearest trash can. "Come on lets ditch this place and find something to eat."

Leaving the restaurant Pearl said "Thanks for supper. Now I should be getting home."

"Hey not so fast," grabbing her arm Gene said "Did you remember to bring it?"

"Bring what?" Pearl asked looking past him towards the setting sun.

"You know, the pills. You said you would."

"I'm not so sure about this. They're prescription. I don't think you should be taking them without a doctors say so."

"But you promised," Gene said "You know I haven't been sleeping well. You said these would help. Don't you want to help me?"

"Yes .... but it's still not a good idea," Pearl sighed handing her mothers sedatives to Gene. "Just be careful and don't take more than you need."

"Don't worry I won't," Gene said rubbing his neck wondering how many he would need to take to finish the job.

"Here let me," Pearl stepped behind him and messaged his neck and shoulders.

"Hmm that feels good,"

"Good. Now go home and get a good nights sleep."

"You bet with these," shaking the bottle in his hand "I'll sleep like the dead."

Instead of going home, Gene went to a local park and tried to fish. He had hoped fishing would help him relax but he was more keyed up than ever. He finally had the means to put his plan into action. A grin spread across his his face as he shook the bottle in his hand.

He wondered if he should just take them now. This place was as good as any other. But he still had things he wanted to do first, like making sure his Dad found his note.  'Who are you kidding? You're just a chicken' a little voice in his head told him. 'Just take the pills now. Waiting will only delay the inevitable. Your family won't miss you any more now than later'.

His hands shook as he fell to his knees gripping the bottle unable to open it due to his violent shaking. The voice in his head taunted him 'Just do it, get it done and over with.'